Accident at work? You might have to report it online, says the HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has told businesses not to report accidents at work by phone unless they lead to fatality or major injury.

The closure of the HSE's Infoline telephone service, announced earlier this year, is part of a move to take many of the regulator's reporting arrangements online.

All other work-related injuries and incidents covered by Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) must now be reported by completing forms on the HSE's website.

From 30 September, anyone seeking guidance and information will be directed to the HSE's online knowledge bank, where they can download resources and use interactive web tools.

The regulator said it had altered its website to accommodate the telephone service closure. Changes include an expanded question and answer section for common health and safety enquiries.

HSE director of strategy Trevor Carlile said that many people would see little difference. "More than half of reportable injuries are already notified to HSE through the website. The new forms are intuitive and quick and easy to complete.

"The most important thing is that there will still be somebody at the end of the phone to assist those who are reporting a traumatic event that has resulted in a death or major injury."

Mr Carlile added that the HSE's website is already the most popular option for accessing health and safety information.

"We're confident that our web services can be efficient and effective at a fraction of the cost per contact compared with telephone services. We'll continue to make improvements to make the website as intuitive and easy-to-use as possible."

Lisa Sheldon, Personal Injury Solicitor at Simpson Millar LLP said "It is extremely important that accidents at work are reported to the HSE and if this initiative ultimately benefits people who have suffered because of an accident at work, then it is to be applauded."

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